Amidst a deadly crisis, Chairman FIEDMC, Mian Kashif Ashfaq, has stepped up and contributed Rs. 10 million to the Prime Minister's COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund. This is a great initiative during these times where frontline healthcare workers are in dire need of Personal Protective Equipment and salaries to take home.

A ceremony was held at the Governor’s House for this purpose, where, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar was also present. Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the efforts of Chairman FIEDMC Mian Kashif, for supporting the government during such trying times.

Governor Punjab’s address at the ceremony

On this occasion, Governor Punjab urged people of Pakistan to donate to the Prime Minister’s relief fund for the fight against coronavirus. He also used the opportunity to urge the youth to volunteer for the Tiger Force. Sarwar further requested the people to set aside their ideological and political differences in this time of need and contribute towards the national cause.

“We will not leave the masses in this difficult time and we are with them”. Muhammad Sarwar shared that a number of corona telemedicine helpline centers are being operated across the province. These helplines are providing adequate guidance to people. He believes that Pakistan Army’s role in fighting corona is also exemplary.

“Those coming out of their homes frequently and unnecessarily are not only posing corona threat to themselves but to others as well. Therefore, people should take the corona situation seriously and not come out of their homes”, the governor further preached.

Moreover, Sarwar shared, “Besides this, we are working jointly with the representatives of 12 welfare organizations of Punjab Development Network. Through this, we will take comprehensive measures to protect the staff and prisoners of all jails in Punjab from coronavirus”.

We will not leave the masses in this difficult time and we are with them

Mian Kashif’s views on the occasion

Chairman FIEDMC, Mian Kashif Ashfaq also commended the current response to the COVID-19 situation. He said, “under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the present government is taking effective and comprehensive public safety measures against corona. This is besides utilizing all resources to provide free ration to the poor families. The government departments are ensuring foolproof security of the people for 24 hours”.

He further said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is an honest and credible person. Mian Kashif reminded us of how Imran Khan donated all his winnings from the 1989 World Series and 1992 World Cup to the Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital.

Mian Kashif urged philanthropists to come forward to play their role in supporting the people. He believes that joint efforts by the government, institutions and people will eradicate the pandemic and help to overcome the crisis.

He further assured that there is no scarcity of food items in the country. Hence, people should not panic and buy commodities beyond their needs. “Those indulging in hoarding are criminals of the nation”, he regretted.

It is now clearly established that the coronavirus outbreak is a serious challenge to Pakistan’s medical health care system. The number of coronavirus infected cases in the country has risen to 3,277, with the death toll up to 50. Currently, we are in a dire need of resources to tackle the crisis at hand. Therefore, we commend FIEDMC for their contribution to our country’s interest.

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